Top 25 Slang For Rare – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to describing something rare, sometimes the ordinary words just don’t cut it. That’s where slang for rare comes in. From hip lingo to trendy phrases, we’ve rounded up the most unique and catchy expressions that capture the essence of rarity. Get ready to upgrade your vocabulary and add a touch of coolness to your conversations with this list of slang for rare.

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1. Hen’s teeth

This phrase is used to describe something that is extremely rare or hard to find, as hens do not have teeth.

For example, “Finding a parking spot in this area is like finding hen’s teeth.”
Someone might say, “Opportunities like this come around once in a blue moon, they’re as rare as hen’s teeth.”
A person might describe a valuable antique as, “This is a rare find, it’s as rare as hen’s teeth.”

2. Blue moon

This phrase is used to describe something that happens very rarely or only once in a while, as a blue moon refers to the occurrence of two full moons in a calendar month.

For instance, “I only see my favorite band perform live once in a blue moon.”
A person might say, “It’s not every day you get a chance to travel to your dream destination, it happens once in a blue moon.”
Someone might describe a special event as, “This party is going to be epic, it’s a blue moon celebration!”

3. Once in a blue moon

This phrase is used to express that something happens very rarely or infrequently. It emphasizes the rarity of the occurrence.

For example, “I only eat fast food once in a blue moon, I prefer cooking at home.”
A person might say, “I go to the theater once in a blue moon, usually for a special performance.”
Someone might describe a visit from a distant relative as, “We only see them once in a blue moon, it’s always a special occasion.”

4. Rare gem

This phrase is used to describe someone or something that is exceptionally valuable, unique, or hard to find. It compares the person or thing to a rare and precious gemstone.

For instance, “She is a rare gem in the world of fashion, her designs are truly unique.”
A person might say, “This book is a rare gem, it’s a hidden treasure in the literary world.”
Someone might describe a talented musician as, “He is a rare gem in the music industry, his talent is unmatched.”

5. Rare breed

This phrase is used to describe someone or something that is uncommon, unique, or different from the norm. It compares the person or thing to a rare breed of animal.

For example, “He is a rare breed of politician, always standing up for what is right.”
A person might say, “This restaurant is a rare breed, it offers a completely unique dining experience.”
Someone might describe an innovative product as, “This smartphone is a rare breed, it’s unlike anything else on the market.”

6. Rare as a four-leaf clover

This phrase is used to describe something that is very rare, like finding a four-leaf clover among a field of regular three-leaf clovers.

For example, “Finding a parking spot in this crowded city is as rare as a four-leaf clover.”
A person might say, “Getting a perfect score on this test is as rare as a four-leaf clover.”
Another might comment, “Seeing a shooting star is as rare as a four-leaf clover.”

7. Rare as a white tiger

This expression compares rarity to that of a white tiger, which is a rare color variation of the Bengal tiger.

For instance, “Finding true love is as rare as a white tiger.”
A person might say, “Spotting a white tiger in the wild is as rare as winning the lottery.”
Another might comment, “Getting a perfect score on this game is as rare as a white tiger.”

8. Rare as a black swan

This phrase refers to the rarity of black swans, which are a rare color variation of the common white swan.

For example, “Finding a job that pays well and makes you happy is as rare as a black swan.”
A person might say, “Encountering a black swan event in the stock market is as rare as winning the jackpot.”
Another might comment, “Seeing a shooting star during the day is as rare as a black swan.”

9. Rare as a pink diamond

This expression compares rarity to that of a pink diamond, which is a rare and valuable gemstone.

For instance, “Finding a loyal and trustworthy friend is as rare as a pink diamond.”
A person might say, “Spotting a pink diamond in a jewelry store is as rare as finding a needle in a haystack.”
Another might comment, “Getting a perfect score on this test is as rare as a pink diamond.”

10. Rare as a snow leopard

This phrase refers to the rarity of snow leopards, which are a critically endangered species.

For example, “Seeing a snow leopard in the wild is as rare as winning the lottery.”
A person might say, “Spotting a snow leopard is as rare as finding a needle in a haystack.”
Another might comment, “Getting a perfect score on this game is as rare as a snow leopard.”

11. Out of the ordinary

This phrase is used to describe something that is not common or typical. It suggests that the thing being referred to is extraordinary or unexpected.

For example, “Seeing a rainbow in the middle of the desert is definitely out of the ordinary.”
A person might say, “Her fashion sense is out of the ordinary; she always wears unique and eye-catching outfits.”
In a discussion about travel experiences, someone might share, “During my trip to Japan, I had the opportunity to witness a traditional tea ceremony, which was truly out of the ordinary.”

12. Hard to come by

This phrase is used to describe something that is not easily obtainable or readily available. It implies that the thing being referred to is scarce or in high demand.

For instance, “Fresh produce in the winter can be hard to come by.”
A person might say, “Authentic vintage clothing from that era is hard to come by; most of it has been worn out or lost.”
In a discussion about rare collectibles, someone might mention, “Original comic books from the 1930s are extremely hard to come by.”

13. Few and far between

This phrase is used to describe something that is not occurring or appearing often. It suggests that the thing being referred to is rare or uncommon.

For example, “Opportunities like this come few and far between, so make sure to seize it.”
A person might say, “In the desert, water sources are few and far between, making survival a challenge.”
In a discussion about wildlife sightings, someone might share, “Spotting a black rhino in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience as they are few and far between.”

14. Like finding a four-leaf clover

This phrase is used to describe something that is extremely rare and difficult to find. It implies that the thing being referred to is as elusive as finding a four-leaf clover, which is considered a symbol of good luck.

For instance, “Finding true love can be like finding a four-leaf clover; it’s rare and requires a bit of luck.”
A person might say, “Getting a perfect score on that test is like finding a four-leaf clover; it hardly ever happens.”
In a discussion about valuable antiques, someone might mention, “Finding a genuine antique in pristine condition is like finding a four-leaf clover; it’s a rare and lucky discovery.”

15. Uncommon as a white peacock

This phrase is used to describe something that is extremely uncommon or rare. It suggests that the thing being referred to is as rare as a white peacock, which is a genetic anomaly.

For example, “Encountering a white peacock in the wild is as uncommon as a white peacock itself.”
A person might say, “Her talent for playing the theremin is as uncommon as a white peacock; very few people can master it.”
In a discussion about natural phenomena, someone might share, “Witnessing the Northern Lights is as uncommon as a white peacock; it requires being in the right place at the right time.”

16. Elusive

This term is used to describe something that is difficult to locate or capture. It implies that the object or information is elusive and hard to pin down.

For example, “The legendary Bigfoot is an elusive creature that has never been captured on camera.”
A person searching for a rare book might say, “I’ve been looking for that elusive first edition for years.”
In a discussion about rare birds, someone might mention, “The ivory-billed woodpecker is one of the most elusive birds in North America.”

17. Unheard of

This phrase is used to describe something that is completely unknown or unfamiliar. It suggests that the object or concept is so rare that it has not been heard of or encountered by many people.

For instance, “In some remote regions, modern technology is unheard of.”
A person might say, “I’ve traveled to many countries, but this dish is completely unheard of.”
In a conversation about rare diseases, someone might mention, “This condition is so rare that it’s virtually unheard of outside of medical literature.”

18. Unobtainium

This term is a playful way to describe something that is so rare or valuable that it is virtually impossible or extremely difficult to obtain. It is often used in a humorous or exaggerated manner.

For example, “Finding a unicorn is like finding unobtainium.”
A person might say, “I’ve been searching for that limited-edition collectible, but it’s like trying to find unobtainium.”
In a discussion about rare gemstones, someone might mention, “This particular stone is so rare that it’s often referred to as unobtainium.”

19. Scarce as rocking horse droppings

This phrase is a humorous way to describe something that is extremely rare or hard to find. It implies that the object or information is as scarce as droppings from a rocking horse, which is a nonexistent or highly improbable occurrence.

For instance, “Affordable housing in this city is as scarce as rocking horse droppings.”
A person might say, “Finding a parking spot in this crowded area is as scarce as rocking horse droppings.”
In a conversation about rare collectibles, someone might mention, “That limited-edition toy is as scarce as rocking horse droppings.”

20. Like finding a needle in a haystack

This phrase is used to describe something that is extremely difficult or unlikely to find. It suggests that the object or information is as hard to locate as a needle in a haystack, which is a challenging and time-consuming task.

For example, “Finding a reliable mechanic in this town is like finding a needle in a haystack.”
A person might say, “Locating that lost earring in a busy shopping center is like finding a needle in a haystack.”
In a discussion about rare artifacts, someone might mention, “Finding the missing piece of that ancient artifact is like finding a needle in a haystack.”

21. Scarce

When something is scarce, it means that it is not readily available or is difficult to come by. This term is often used to describe something that is rare or in limited supply.

For example, “During the pandemic, toilet paper was scarce and people were hoarding it.”
A collector might say, “This limited edition comic book is extremely scarce and highly sought after.”
Someone might comment, “Opportunities like this are scarce, so take advantage of it while you can.”

22. Unusual

Something that is unusual is out of the ordinary or uncommon. It deviates from what is typical or expected.

For instance, “It’s unusual to see snow in this part of the country.”
A friend might say, “Your fashion sense is definitely unusual, but I love it!”
A traveler might describe a unique experience by saying, “I had the most unusual meal at a street food stall in Thailand.”

23. Exceptional

When something is exceptional, it means that it stands out from the rest due to its high quality, skill, or ability. It is often used to describe something that is above average or surpasses expectations.

For example, “She is an exceptional athlete and has won numerous awards.”
A teacher might say, “Your essay was exceptional and showed a deep understanding of the topic.”
A reviewer might describe a performance as, “The actor’s portrayal was exceptional and brought the character to life.”

24. Scarcer than hen’s teeth

This phrase is used to emphasize how rare or scarce something is. It compares the rarity of something to the fact that hens do not have teeth, implying that it is almost non-existent.

For instance, “Finding a parking spot in this area is scarcer than hen’s teeth.”
A collector might say, “Original copies of this vinyl record are scarcer than hen’s teeth.”
Someone might comment, “Good job on finding that limited edition toy! They’re scarcer than hen’s teeth.”

25. Thin on the ground

When something is thin on the ground, it means that there is not much of it available or that it is scarce. It can also refer to a situation where there are not many options or opportunities.

For example, “Job opportunities in this field are thin on the ground.”
A friend might say, “I’m sorry, but my knowledge of that subject is a bit thin on the ground.”
A traveler might comment, “In this remote area, restaurants are thin on the ground, so we’ll have to plan our meals carefully.”